Ownership of Exotic Pets to Be Banned in the UAE

The FNC has already passed a draft law in keeping with the UAE's support towards ending illegal wildlife trade

It is an occasion for environmentalists and animal rights activists to rejoice. In a landmark decision, the Federal National Council on Tuesday passed a draft law, which would stop individuals from owning wild and other domesticated but dangerous animals such as lions, tigers, apes and monkeys, as well as pit bulls, mastiffs and Japanese Tosa dogs, reported an article in the Gulf News.

The draft law is meant to stop people from unlicensed dealing and ownership of all types of wild and domesticated but dangerous animals, according to the draft law, which requires to be finally approved by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan before it takes effect.

This draft shows the UAE’s unwavering commitment towards ending illegal wildlife trade. The draft law includes tough penalties for offenders of up to life imprisonment and/or a Dhs1 million fine. Once enforced, the new law gives owners of exotic wild animals six months to adjust their legal status by handing over these animals to authorities.

The draft also states that all dogs are required to be restrained by a collar and leash when on public property. Failing to control dogs in public places could to a jail term of not less than a month and not more than six months and/or fines ranging from Dhs10,000 to Dhs500,000.

Those who fail to control their dogs in public places with a lead may face a jail term of not less than a month and not more than six months and/or fines ranging from Dhs10,000 to Dhs500,000, the report said.